New series 'Fargo' is must-see drama that captures spirit of Coen Brothers flick

By Chuck Barney

Contra Costa Times

Posted:
04/11/2014 12:00:00 PM PDT

Updated:
04/11/2014 03:37:54 PM PDT

DON'T MISS: "Fargo" -- This instantly addictive 10-part drama series captures the spirit of the beloved 1996 Coen brothers cult hit, but it presents an all-new "true crime" story with new characters. Among them is Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton), a mysterious and manipulative drifter who lures hapless small-town insurance salesman Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman) down a dangerous path. Is the series filled with dark humor and surprising twists? Darn tootin' it is! 10 p.m. Tuesday, FX.

Other bets

SUNDAY: Conan O'Brien makes his debut as host of the 2014 MTV Movie Awards. The offbeat celebration of big-screen goodness includes non-Oscar-ready categories such as best fight and best kiss. Pass the Golden Popcorn. 9 p.m., MTV.

SUNDAY: Are you still mad for "Mad Men"? The acclaimed drama returns for the first half of its two-part final season, which has enigmatic ad executive Don Draper (Jon Hamm) spending a lot of time in sunny California. 10 p.m., AMC.

SUNDAY: "Years of Living Dangerously" is an ambitious four-part documentary that uses celebrity star power to call attention to the issue of climate change. Participants include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Matt Damon, Jessica Alba and Harrison Ford. 10 p.m., Showtime.

MONDAY: Trouble-prone actress Lindsay Lohan drops in for a guest spot on "2 Broke Girls." She plays an indecisive bride-to-be who hires Max and Caroline (Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs) to make her wedding cake. Can they decline? 8 p.m., CBS.

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MONDAY: It's the midseason finale of "Dallas," and you just know there will be drama. Producers have promised plenty of red-hot action on various fronts in an episode fittingly titled, "Where There's Smoke." 9 p.m., TNT.

TUESDAY: "The Address" is a very different kind of documentary from Ken Burns. It follows students with learning disabilities who attempt to learn and recite Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Along the way, the film examines the effect and importance of those famous words. 9 p.m., PBS.

WEDNESDAY: "The Americans" continues its torrid second season with an episode that has Philip and Elizabeth (Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell) confronting painful truths in their respective missions. That doesn't sound so good. 10 p.m., FX.

THURSDAY: Say it isn't so: The season finale of "Scandal" is already upon us. It's Election Day -- hold on to your seats, because things could get explosive. 10 p.m., ABC.

SATURDAY: What happens in the Clone Club stays in the Clone Club, so we're not about to spoil the Season 2 opener of "Orphan Black" for you. Just know that it's all pretty intense and that Tatiana Maslany is as awesome as usual. We are so in. 9 p.m., BBC America.